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Is “free” a potentially workable business model for legal services?
Lawyers are safer than musicians in that distribution of legal knowledge is harder - but nonetheless technology will revolutionize legal services, and law firms that adapt to the ideas behind “free” as a business model will survive and prosper - those that fail to adapt will not.
June 2009 / 5 min.
Internet access as a fundamental human right?
On June 10th, France’s version of the Supreme Court struck down parts of a new French law known as HADOPI: France’s highest court, the Constitutional Council, ruled that access to the internet is a “fundamental human right” this week in striking down a controversial “three strikes” anti-piracy law. via Is Internet Access a Fundamental Human […]
June 2009 / 3 min.
The current television business model will fail
The television industry is where newspapers were 10 years ago - in denial that they need to change their business model. They have tried, on occasion, to argue that skipping commercials is “stealing” and similar types of arguments. They are, as Henry points out, still making money - so they can afford to ignore the changes. I predict that, as inevitable as the death of their current business is, their attempt to legislate content protections is as inevitable.
June 2009 / 2 min.
National Rifle Association of America v. City of Chicago
The recent 7th Circuit case dealing with applying the 2nd Amendment to states is worth reading.
June 2009 / 4 min.
Texas effectively denies open access to state law
A recent change to the Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure gives “memorandum” opinions full precedential value - but those opinions are currently only accessible through the very expensive Westlaw or LexisNexis.
June 2009 / 2 min.
Business method patents rejected in Canada
Michael Geist explains the current status of business method patents in Canada where, so far, they have been firmly rejected - unlike in the United States.
June 2009 / 2 min.
Secret evidence is incompatible with the rule of law
While the use of secret evidence may be acceptable initially (as part of an investigation or short-term detention while more evidence is gathered), the defense needs access to this evidence. Without it, any trial or legal process is simply unfair.
June 2009 / 4 min.
Professionalism and pharmacist protection laws
Three questions related to pharmacist protection laws: (1) “Why should we be concerned only about religious objections to dispensing pharmaceuticals related to reproduction?” ; (2) “why should only professionals benefit from this protection?”; and (3) “why should we be concerned only with religious objections, as opposed to other conscience-based ones?”
June 2009 / 3 min.
The dual nature of the U.S. Constitution
It is so much more fun to “expound” on the “adaptable” Constitution and simply pretend that the “hard-wired” one can always be “worked around.” But what if it can’t? What if there is a gorilla (or rattlesnake) in the room?
June 2009 / 2 min.
Promises, promises: the MBA oath
An interesting new drive for greater ethical behaviour in the business environment.
June 2009 / 2 min.